Nigerian lawyer, Michael Ezimoha, celebrates world record for fastest will drafting

Michael Nnamdi Ezimoha

London-based Nigerian legal practitioner Michael Nnamdi Ezimoha said he is still basking in the euphoria of his world record-breaking for fastest Will drafting.

Ezimoha made history by drafting a legally sound Will in just 10 minutes and 47 seconds, setting a new world record for the fastest Will ever crafted.

The achievement, officially certified by the World Record Committee in October 2024, was completed under rigorous legal standards. A panel of legal experts reviewed the Will to confirm it met all statutory requirements, ensuring the record was not only fast but flawless in execution.

Reflecting on the milestone, Michael emphasised that the record was never about speed for its own sake, but about sparking a deeper conversation.

“This wasn’t just a challenge of speed,” he told reporters. “It was a mission to raise awareness about testamentary planning. Too many Nigerians avoid making Wills, and the consequences are often devastating for families.”

He pointed to the rising number of Nigerians who die without a Will—known as dying intestate—which frequently results in bitter disputes, protracted litigation, and emotional hardship for grieving relatives.

“People assume Wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly,” he said. “But a Will is about protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are respected. This record is my way of putting that message on a global stage.”

Michael also noted the unique difficulty of the attempt: balancing legal accuracy with extreme time constraints.

“The hardest part was maintaining legal precision under pressure. A Will is a deeply personal document. Behind every clause is someone’s story, someone’s legacy. You have to get it right.”

His feat marks the first legal-themed world record by a Nigerian, adding to a growing list of Nigerians who have achieved global recognition, including chef Hilda Baci’s 93-hour cooking marathon, chess champion Tunde Onakoya’s 60-hour match in Times Square, and Gbenga Ezekiel’s rope-skipping endurance record.

Looking ahead, Michael plans to launch a nationwide campaign to promote estate planning across Nigeria. The initiative will include lectures, media appearances, community workshops, and a digital education series aimed at making Wills more accessible and less
intimidating for Nigerians from all walks of life.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “A Will is not just a legal document—it’s an act of love.”

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